Drama Episodes

"A story of innocence lost and courage found." For this episode we discuss the 1989 American biographical anti-war drama, 'Born on the Fourth of July,' The movie stars Tom Cruise, Kyra Sedgwick, Willem Dafoe, Raymond J. Barry and Caroline Kovic. Written and directed by Oliver Stone, it was based on the 1976 autobiography of Ron Kovic. Born on the Fourth of July IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096969/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_born%20o Born on the Fourth of July, Rotten Tomatoes - ...

"AL CAPONE. He ruled Chicago with absolute power. No one could touch him. No one could stop him. - Until Eliot Ness and a small force of men swore they'd bring him down." In this episode, we discuss the period crime drama 'The Untouchables.' The movie stars Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Andy Garcia and Robert De Niro. Directed by Brian De Palma. Loosely based on the memior of Eliot Ness. The Untouchables - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094226/?ref_=tttg_ov_bk The Untouchables - Rotten Toma...

"Charlie and Raymond. They are strangers. They are brothers. They have just met." In this episode, we discuss the Oscar winning drama 'Rain Man.' The movie stars Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise and Valeria Golino. Directed by Barry Levinson. Rain Man - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095953/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_6_nm_2_in_0_q_rain Rain Man- Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rain_man Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterboxd.com/bill_b/list/bills-all-80s-movies-podcast-rating...

In this episode of the "All 80s Movies Podcast", hosts Bill Bant and Jason Masek delve into the 1980 classic 'Raging Bull,' directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro. They explore the film's themes, characters, and the emotional impact it has on viewers. The conversation covers their personal memories of the film, initial thoughts on its cinematic techniques, and favorite scenes, highlighting the film's brutal realism and masterful direction. The hosts explore its powerful opening, the complex character dynamics of Jake LaMotta, and the themes of jealousy and violence that permeate the narrative. They analyze key scenes that reveal LaMotta's inner struggles and the impact of his relationships, particularly with women and his brother. The discussion culminates in a detailed examination of LaMotta's final showdown with Sugar Ray Robinson, highlighting the brutal nature of the sport and LaMotta's self-destructive tendencies. Bill and Jason discuss the artistic choices made …

In this episode of the "All 80s Movies Podcast," hosts Bill Bant and Jason Masek dive into the 1983 film 'Flashdance,' exploring its plot, characters, and cultural impact. They share personal memories associated with the film, discuss the significance of its music and fashion, and critique its narrative structure. The conversation highlights the film's role as a trendsetter in the 1980s and reflects on the lasting impressions it has left on audiences. They discuss the fluidity of the narrative, the memorable dance sequences, and the humor interspersed throughout the film. They also touch on the power of confidence, and the cautionary tales that emerge from the characters' journeys. In the "Swiss Cheese and Complaint Department" segment, Jason and Bill delve into various issues with the film 'Flashdance', including the use of stunt doubles, the character of Alex and her background, the implications of age gaps in relationships, and the overall lack of character development. The hosts a…

"In 1964, Eddie Wilson had it all. He had genius. He had vision. He had the hottest rock n' roll band in the country. Then, suddenly one night, his car went off a dark New Jersey bridge. His body was never found. But his dream was never lost. And twenty years later, the mystery of Eddie Wilson begins to unravel." For this week's episode, we are discussing the 1983 Rock and Roll mystery of 'Eddie and the Cruisers.' The movie stars Michael Paré, Tom Berenger and Ellen Barkin. Co-written and direct...

In this episode, Bill and Jason discuss the 1982 film 'Diner'. They reminisce about their earliest memories of the movie and the actors in it. They highlight the authenticity and relatability of the characters and their conversations. One of their favorite scenes is the roast beef sandwich scene in the diner, where the characters engage in banter and try to indirectly ask for the sandwich. Another favorite scene is the iconic popcorn scene, where Boogie convinces Carol Heathrow not to leave the theater after an awkward encounter. They praise Mickey Rourke's performance and his ability to turn the situation around with his honesty and vulnerability. The principal themes of the conversation are the dynamics of relationships, the challenges of marriage, and the importance of friendship. The subtopics discussed under these themes include the motivations behind romantic pursuits, the complexities of marriage and communication, and the value of shared experiences and common interests in rel…

"The Hustler isn't what he used to be, but he has the next best thing. A kid who is." For the 125th movie we spotlight on our show, we are discussing the pool hustling drama 'The Color of Money' starring Paul Newman, Tom Cruise and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Directed by Martin Scorsese, it is based on the book of the same name by Walter Tevis. The Color of Money - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090863/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_1_nm_6_q_the%2520color%2520of%2520mo The Color of Money - Rotte...

"There's nothing like a good robbery... to bring a family together." In this week's episode, we are discussing the crime family drama "Family Business" starring Sean Connery, Dustin Hoffman and Matthew Broderick. Directed by Sidney Lumet. Family Business - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097328/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_56_act St. Elmo's Fire - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/family_business Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterboxd.com/bill_b/list/bills-all-80s-movies-podcast...

"They thought they'd be friends forever, but forever couldn't last." In this week's episode, we discuss the movie that coined the term "Brat Pack", 'St. Elmo's Fire.' The movie stars Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson and Mare Winningham. Directed by Joel Schumacher. St. Elmo's Fire - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090060/?ref_=tttg_ov St. Elmo's Fire - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/st_elmos_fire "Hollywood's Brat Pack" by ...

"I'd like to dedicate this to my father, Francis L. It's a song the girls in the band wrote, Lisa and Wendy." For this week's episode, we are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of 'Purple Rain' starring Prince, Apollonia Kotero and Morris Day. Directed by Albert Magnoli. Purple Rain - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087957/?ref_=rvi_tt Purple Rain - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/purple_rain Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterboxd.com/bill_b/list/bills-all-80s-movies-...

"How much love, sex, fun and friendship can a person take? The story of eight old friends searching for something they lost, and finding that all they needed was each other." In this week's episode. we discuss the Oscar nominated movie for Best Picture, 'The Big Chill'. With a stellar cast, this movie was co-written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan. The Big Chill - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085244/?ref_=ttawd_ov The Big Chill - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/big_ch...

"For some, it's the last real taste of innocence, and the first real taste of life. But for everyone, it's the time that memories are made of." For the final episode of our "Summer at the Cinema Series", we are discussing the coming-of-age classic 'Stand By Me' starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O'Connell. Based on the short story 'The Body' written by Stephen King, this movie is directed by Rob Reiner. Stand By Me - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092005/?ref_=n...

"It's going to be a summer to remember!" Our "Summer at the Cinema Series" continues as we discuss the 1984 summer drama 'The Flamingo Kid' starring Matt Dillon, Richard Crenna, Hector Elizondo and Janet Jones. Directed by Garry Marshall. The Flamingo Kid - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087265/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_8_nm_0_q_flamingo The Flamingo Kid - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/flamingo_kid Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterboxd.com/bill_b/list/bills-all-80...

"The first casualty of war is innocence." In this episode, we discuss the Oscar winning war drama 'Platoon' starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe. Written and directed by Oliver Stone. Platoon - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091763/?ref_=hm_rvi_tt_i_7 Platoon - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/platoon Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterboxd.com/bill_b/list/bills-all-80s-movies-podcast-ratings/ Jason's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterboxd.com/jaso...

"They grew up on the outside of society. They weren't looking for a fight. They were looking to belong." In this week's episode we are discussing the coming of age drama 'The Outsiders' which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. The movie stars C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze and Diane Lane. Based on the novel by S. E. Hinton, this movie was directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The Outsiders - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086066/?ref_=tttg_ov The Outsiders - R...

"Terrorized in the toilets? Chased after school? Shaken down for your lunch money? GET A BODYGUARD!" In this week's episode, we discuss the high school drama 'My Bodyguard' starring Chris Makepeace, Matt Dillon and Adam Baldwin. Directed by Tony Bill. My Bodyguard Off - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081207/?ref_=tttg_tg_tt My Bodyguard trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7i_BVUzqUM My Bodyguard - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/my_bodyguard Bill's Letterboxd Rati...

"A romantic comedy with the works." Continuing our "Summer at the Cinema Series", we head into our fourth episode in which we will be discussing the coming-of-age drama 'Mystic Pizza', starring Annabeth Gish, Julia Roberts, Lili Taylor and Vincent D'Onofrio. Directed by Donald Petrie. Mystic Pizza - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095690/?ref_=tttg_tg_tt Mystic Pizza trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muLvjpHGHig Mystic Pizza - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mystic_...

"He's a big-city kid in a small town. They said he'd never win. He knew he had to." On this week's episode we discuss the 1984 teen drama with a kick'in soundtrack, 'Footloose' starring Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer and John Lithgow. This movie was directed by Herbert Ross. Footloose IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087277/?ref_=tttg_tg_tt Footloose Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4narQca4Oc Footloose - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1007657-footloose Bill's L...

"The laughter. The lovers. The friends. The fights. The talk. The hurt. The jealousy. The passion. The pressure. The real world." In this week's episode, we discuss the teen drama 'Pretty in Pink' starring Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer and Andrew McCarthy. This movie was written by John Hughes and directed by Howard Deutch. Pretty in Pink IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091790/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Pretty in Pink Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-rAFVlr65k Pretty in Pink - Rotten To...

"They were five total strangers, with nothing in common, meeting for the first time. A brain, a beauty, a jock, a rebel and a recluse. Before the day was over, they broke the rules. Bared their souls. And touched each other in a way they never dreamed possible." In this week's episode we discuss the John Hughes classic teenage film 'The Breakfast Club', starring Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy and Anthony Michael Hall. Written and directed by John Hughes. The Breakfast ...

"Have the time of your life." For our second episode in our "Summer at the Cinema Series" we will be discussing 'Dirty Dancing' starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. Directed by Emile Ardolino. Dirty Dancing - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092890/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Dirty Dancing trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95IlLCfg8_g Dirty Dancing - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dirty_dancing Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterboxd.com/bill_b/list/bills-all-80s...

"A big city cop. A small country boy. The have nothing in common ...but a murder." In this week's episode, we discuss 1985's romantic drama, 'Witness', starring Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis and Lukas Haas. Directed by Peter Weir. Witness - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090329/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_5 Witness trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY1e01OVu-Y Witness - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1023854-witness Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterboxd.com/bill_b/li...